Summary:
Boda boda riders have filed a lawsuit against the government, claiming psychological distress resulting from the campaign slogan. The legal action asserts financial losses and challenges the portrayal of their role in national plans.
In a significant development, a group of boda boda operators has initiated legal proceedings against the government, alleging that the campaign slogan during the 2022 General Election has inflicted psychological trauma.
The riders argue that the government’s portrayal of their role in national plans has been misleading and detrimental to their well-being.
Court documents reveal that the riders attribute massive financial losses and potential irreparable harm to their business reputation to the government’s campaign messaging.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Malindi boda boda operators led by Linda Jamii, contends that the slogan has adversely affected their income due to public dissatisfaction with the government.
The court papers state, “As a result of the impugned utterances by the Members of the 1st Respondent political science party, the people engaged in boda boda business suffer massive financial losses, future irreparable harm to their goodwill, and business signatures.”
The legal filings express concerns about the psychological impact on boda boda and Mama Mboga business individuals, asserting that the government’s assertion of their role in the current political structure is inaccurate.
The petitioners demand a cessation of government statements on Mama Mbona and Bodaboda, citing a threat to their rights and freedoms.
The legal action highlights a substantial 32% decline in the earnings of boda boda operators, amounting to approximately Ksh.426 billion, directly linked to the use of the contentious campaign slogan by the Kenya Kwanza government.
With the title emphasizing the central theme of alleged psychological trauma, this story encapsulates the core issues raised by the boda boda operators in their legal challenge.